How to build an 8x7 Tudor-Style Shed

Section 14: Covering the roof

Section 14.1. Laying and fixing the roof boards

Clamp a board to the outside of a fly-rafter, running all the way up. Make the board at least the length of the rafter and protruding (sticking up) an inch or two above the fly rafter,
creating a straight-edge to butt the ends of the roof boards up to.

Run some felt roofing underlay (or similar building wrap) over the rafters before fixing the roofing boards.
Begin with the first board hanging 2" (50mm) down from the bottom of the rafters. The first (lower) board will require a wedge packer between the roof board and the rafters.

Nail the first board to the rafters using one 3" (75mm) flathead galvanized nail at each rafter.
For the first board only, nail it 3" (75mm) down from the top of the board.

Note: Use 3" (75mm) flathead galvanized nail if the boards you are using are 3/4" (19mm) thick. If you use thicker boards, say 1" (25mm) thick, then use 3 1/2" (90mm) nails.

Next the second board.

Hold the second board with one end against the straight-edge, and the bottom edge
4" (100mm) up from the bottom of the first (lower) board.
The bottom of the second board should be overlapping the
top of the first board by 2" (50mm).

Nail the board to the rafter using one 3" (75mm) flathead galvanized nail
4 1/2" (112mm) down from the top of the board at each rafter.
The nail should go through both boards, the bottom of the top board and the top of the lower board.

Likewise with the rest of the roof-boards working your way to the top.

Section 14.2. Fixing the ridge cap

Fix a length of galvanized 2" x 2" (50mm x 50mm) angle flashing (ridge capping) along the top of the apex over the roof boards.
Nail through the side of the flashing, through the roof boards into the top of the rafters.

Section 14.3. About the barge cap and barge board

The barge cap and the barge board is the trim that runs up the gable to cover the ends of the roof boards and the fly rafters.
The barge caps sit flat on top of the roof boards, and overhangs the edge of the fly rafters by 2" (50mm).
The barge boards are fixed to the fly rafters directly under the barge caps.
The barge cap is 3/4" x 6" (150mm x 19mm) board and the barge board is 3/4" x 3" (75mm x 19mm) board.
Note: Use spare roof boards for the barge cap and rip (cut down lengthwise) in half some roof boards to make up the barge boards.

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The barge capping is a piece of 3/4" x 6" (150mm x 19mm) board that runs up the rake of the roof,
sitting flat over the ends of the roof boards.
Cut four lengths of 3/4" x 6" (150mm x 19mm) at 76 3/8" (1910mm) long, with the bottom cut square
and the top cut with the circular saw blade set at a 36.87 degree angle off square.
Fix the barge cap in place with one edge overhanging the fly rafter by 2" (50mm).
The barge board is a piece of 3/4" x 3" (75mm x 19mm) board that goes under the barge cap and covers the fly rafter.
Cut four lengths of 3/4" x 3" (75mm x 19mm) at 75 1/4" (1880mm) long, with the bottom cut rounded
and the top cut angled in 36.87 degrees off square.
Fix them to the fly rafters directly underneath the barge capping.
Note: Rip some roof boards in half (cut down lengthwise) to make the barge boards.